Myotis (redirected from myotises)

Myotis 

a genus of mammals of the suborder Microchiroptera. The body is 3.5 to 8 cm long, and the fur ranges in color from dark brown to reddish brown. The ears are long, and the tragi are long and tapering. There are more than 60 species of bats of the genus Myotis, found everywhere except the arctic, the antarctic, and some ocean islands. Feeding flights occur at night or late twilight and end before dawn. The bats are insectivorous. Many species dwell in caves, while others live in hollow logs, buildings, or rock crevices.

There are 11 species in the USSR, including M. blythi, M. myotis, M. daubentoni, M. dasycneme, and M. mystacinus. M. blythi is widely distributed in southern regions of the USSR, and M. myotis is common in the western Ukraine. Both M. daubentoni and M. dasycneme are encountered in the middle belt of the country, near bodies of water. M. mystacinus is found throughout the USSR, almost as far north as the arctic circle.